Alan Napier (January 7, 1903 - August 8, 1988)

Before he became the most famous butler in comic book and television history Alan Napier was one of the stage and screen's busiest character actors. He spent a lot of time on Broadway during the 1940's. He appeared in 87 films between 1930 and 1974. Some of the more notable projects are Lassie Come Home, The Song of Bernadette, Lured, Johnny Belinda, Macbeth, Joan of Arc, The Blue Veil, Marnie and My Fair Lady. Some of his television credits include "Fireside Theatre", "Four Star Playhouse", "Letter to Loretta", "General Electric Theater", "Playhouse 90", "Alfred Hitchcock Presents", "Tales of Wells Fargo", "Don't Call Me Charlie", "The Lloyd Bridges Show", "The Twilight Zone", "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour", "Daniel Boone", "The Beverly Hillbillies", "Night Gallery", "Ironside" and "Kojak." In 1965, he signed on to appear on "The Barbara Rush Show" but unfortunately (for Ms. Rush) the pilot didn't sell. Later that year ABC developed a campy adaptation of the comic book "Batman." Starring Adam West and Burt Ward as the protectors of Gotham City the show began on January 12, 1966. After some hesistation Napier came on board to play Alfred, the butler the only person who knew the true identities of Batman and Robin (and later Batgirl). Also appearing on the side of the law were Neil Hamilton as Commissioner Gordon, Stafford Repp as Chief of Police O'Hara and Madge Blake as Harriet Cooper, Dick Grayson's aunt. Alfred was always there to prepare Bat-Gadgets, answer the Bat-Phone and make up an excuse whenever Bruce and Dick were needed. Alfred sometimes found himself as the center of attention. In one story he is kidnapped and brainwashed by the Penguin (Burgess Meredith). On more than one occasion he had an encounter with the Joker (Cesar Romero). While watching the Batmobile he was knocked out by King Tut (Victor Buono). Using his umbrella he was able to keep Nora Clavicle (Barbara Rush) prisoner until she could be arrested. He was captured along with Batman and Robin by the Archer (Art Carney) and he even helped Batgirl (Yvonne Craig) rescue Robin and Commissioner Gordon from Egghead (Vincent Price) and Olga, Queen of the Cossacks (Anne Baxter). He also encountered villains Clock King (Walter Slezak), Minerva (Zsa Zsa Gabor), Mr. Freeze (Otto Preminger), Marsha, Queen of Diamonds (Carolyn Jones) and Fingers (Liberace). The thing I loved is that sometimes people would inquire why Bruce Wayne's butler was helping Batman and Robin and sometimes they didn't. In the story "Marsha, Queen of Diamonds/Marsha's Scheme of Diamonds" Marsha blackmails Batman into marriage and once at the alter Alfred and Aunt Harriet stop the ceremony. Alfred, claiming to be a lawyer says that the wedding cannot take place because Aunt Harriet is the current Mrs. Batman. Very clever and very comical writing........it isn't until much later that Commissioner Gordon realizes who Alfred and Aunt Harriet really are. Alan Napier remained with the series during its entire run. By the end of the third season 120 episodes had been produced. At the end of season two Madge Blake became ill and had to leave the program. She appeared in two very brief scenes during two different season three episodes. With Aunt Harriet gone, Alfred now had to mentor the heroes by himself. From Broadway to film to television to the Batcave Alan Napier will always be a part of the "Batman" folklore. In 1989, director Tim Burton paid tribute to the actor. Before becoming the Joker, Jack Nicholson's character is Jack Napier, a shout out to the late Alan Napier. To some of us he's Alfred and to others he's "the voice that answers the Bat-Phone." Regardless of the name the gentle voice and kind nature are always on top.